Ultimate Guide: Top 5 Under Counter Ice Makers

Imagine hosting a party. The drinks are cold, the food is ready, but the ice bucket is nearly empty. We’ve all been there, right? Running out of ice at the worst possible moment is frustrating. That’s why having a reliable source of ice close at hand is a game-changer, especially in modern kitchens and home bars.

Choosing an under-counter ice maker seems simple, but it quickly becomes complicated. Do you need nugget ice or clear cubes? How much space do you really have under that counter? With so many sizes, features, and brands available, finding the perfect machine that fits your lifestyle—and your cabinets—can feel like a puzzle.

This guide cuts through the noise. We will break down exactly what you need to look for, from capacity and noise levels to installation tips. By the end of this post, you will know exactly which under-counter ice maker fits your needs best, ensuring you never run out of perfectly chilled ice again.

Top Under Counter Ice Makers Recommendations

No. 1
EUHOMY 15" W Commercial Under Counter Ice Maker Machine, 90 Lb/Day Auto-Cleaning & 24H Timer, Gravity Drainage,Stainless Steel Built-in Freestanding Ice Maker, 24 Lb Bin, Ideal for Commercial & Home
  • Advanced & Fast Ice Making: Our commercial under counter ice maker machine can produce 90 lbs of ice in 24 hours, providing 40 clear ice cubes every 10-18 minutes for you and your family. The 24 lb storage container ensures a constant supply of ice, meeting all your daily ice needs for your home, restaurant, bar, or hotel.
  • Compact Design: The built-in design with dimensions of 14.96 x 18.47 x 33.99 inches (including adjustable feet) makes it perfect for any standard height kitchen or bar counter, while also allowing the ice maker to be used as a standalone unit.
  • Reversible Door & Cold Insulation: The stainless steel ice maker machine door with a handle can be installed with left or right hinges, allowing you to choose the opening direction according to your needs. The 3-layer housing material ensures longer-lasting ice cubes, preventing them from melting quickly.
  • Smart LCD Control Panel & Customizable Ice Thickness: The multifunctional control panel displays the ambient temperature and allows you to adjust the ice cube size by changing the ice-making time. The 24-hour timer function lets you set the machine to start or stop running at your convenience.
  • Easy-to-Clean & Prolonged Life: The self-cleaning function, activated by pressing the "Timer Clean" button for 5 seconds, helps maintain the ice maker's efficiency and longevity. We recommend cleaning the machine regularly according to usage. The ice maker requires a water supply . Be sure to keep the machine upright for at least 24 hours before using it.
No. 2
ICEPURE 15" Under Counter Ice Maker with Drain Pump and Filter, WiFi Control, 90lbs/24H, Self-Cleaning, Smart Reminder, 24H Timer, ETL FCC, Freestanding for Residential and Commercial, Stainless Steel
  • Compact 15 Inch Built-In Design: Perfect fit undercounter, in RVs, bars, or small business settings—takes up minimal space while delivering major performance.
  • Powerful 90 lb/Day Production: Commercial-grade output with 40 cubes per 10–18 min cycle, plus a 26 lb storage bin—plenty of ice for parties, bars, or your home beverage setup.
  • Wi-Fi Remote Control & 24-Hour Timer: Adjust ice thickness, start/stop remotely, schedule 24-hour production—all via app for smarter, hands-off convenience.
  • Premium Water Filtration & Ice Taste Upgrade: Built-in activated carbon filter (ASIN: B0DG8X68ZG) removes chlorine, rust, sediment, dust, sand, scale, off-taste, color, and odors—delivers clean, great-tasting ice every time.
  • Self-Clean & Smart Alerts: Easy auto-clean function plus real-time alerts—ice full or low water notifications keep operation hassle-free.
No. 3
ETL Approval Commercial Under Counter Ice Maker 100 Lbs/Day with 30 LBS Storage Bin, Freestanding Built-in Ice Maker, 15" W Undercounter Ice Machine with Self Cleaning for Home/Bar/Cafe/Restaurant
  • Ultra-efficient ice making: Our under counter ice maker produces 100 lbs/day, with 11-20 min per cycle—15% more efficient than similar products. Commercial-grade hard ice melts slowly, ideal for high-frequency use like home parties and bars
  • Unrestricted installation: The 15" W under-counter ice maker fits perfectly under the cabinet and can also be placed independently. It features a reversible double-door design (can be opened from either left or right) and is equipped with 4-point adjustable leveling feet, allowing stable installation on sloped countertops or in tight corners
  • Intelligent ice control system: The high-definition LCD touch screen integrates four core functions: ice thickness adjustment, scheduled ice making, automatic cleaning , real-time temperature display and fault warning. Equipped with a built-in LED ice bin light, there's no need to turn on the light when taking ice at night
  • Energy-efficient & durable: This undercounter ice maker features 304 food-grade stainless steel, ABS inner tank, 3-layer vacuum insulation foam + anti-freeze foam door—boosting insulation by 40%, cutting energy use, and saving 25% vs industry average. Reliable for commercial and home use
  • Maintenance-free design: The detachable ice bucket supports the cleaning of the whole machine, and the gravity drainage + automatic water replenishment dual system does not require additional water pipe modification during installation, truly realizing "plug and play". If you have any questions during use, please feel free to contact us, we have a professional team to answer your questions
No. 4
EUHOMY Commercial Ice Maker Machine, 100lbs/24H Stainless Steel Under Counter ice Machine with 33lbs Ice Storage Capacity, Freestanding Ice Maker.
  • HIGH CAPACITY & FAST ICE MAKING – Designed for heavy-duty usage, this commercial ice maker produces up to 100 lbs of ice per 24 hours, crafting 45 clear ice cubes per cycle in just 11-15 minutes. It features a large built-in storage bin holding 33 lbs of ice, ensuring you never run out during peak hours. The automatic overflow prevention system guarantees safe operation, making it perfect for large families, parties, or commercial settings.
  • ETL CERTIFIED FOR COMMERCIAL & HOME USE – Safety and quality are paramount. Unlike standard units, the EUHOMY ice maker is ETL certified for both household and commercial applications. Its versatile design allows it to be used in indoor/outdoor kitchens, restaurants, bars, hotels, or grocery stores. Whether you are hosting a backyard BBQ or running a coffee shop, this machine delivers reliable performance.
  • INTUITIVE LCD CONTROL PANEL – Take full control with the smart LCD display. It allows you to monitor the ambient temperature and adjust the ice-making time to customize the thickness of your ice cubes—thin for smoothies or thick for drinks. The panel also features a one-touch Automatic Cleaning function, simplifying maintenance and ensuring your ice is always fresh and hygienic.
  • EFFICIENT COOLING & QUIET OPERATION – Equipped with a powerful yet quiet compressor, this under-counter ice machine creates ice efficiently without disrupting your environment. The advanced energy-saving technology helps reduce electricity consumption, lowering your operating costs over time. The stainless steel construction not only looks professional but also provides durability and effective heat dissipation.
  • INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE TIPS – This unit utilizes Gravity Drainage (requires a floor drain or gravity outlet; strictly no pump included). Please ensure the drain hose is positioned lower than the machine specifically for optimal drainage. IMPORTANT: Before first use, keep the machine upright for at least 24 hours to let the refrigerant settle. We recommend running the self-cleaning cycle twice before consuming the first batch of ice.
No. 5
ICYGLEE Commercial Under Counter Ice Maker Machine with Drain Pump, 100Lbs/Day with 24lbs Storage, Built-in Freestanding Ice Maker, Self-Cleaning, 24H Timer, for Commercial & Home Use. (Stainless)
  • Rapid & Large Ice Production: Our ice maker can produce 100lbs clear ice cubes one day, the average ice making time for each cycle just taking 8 to 16mins, which means that the under counter ice maker can meet your demand for ice efficiently, and let you enjoy the tasty ice cubes easily
  • Efficient & Adjustable Ice Cubes:Equipped with an electric drain pump, this undercounter ice maker can effectively drain water without relying on gravity, helping to keep the keeping the interior clean and designed an efficient compressor and 3 layer insulation materials, the ice cubes that our under counter ice maker machine produce are clear and refresh, besides, you can also control the thickness of the ice cubes through the button to meet the need of various drinks, like smoothie/cocktail/whisky
  • Simple & User-friendly Design: Because of the LCD panel, there is no need to worry about the machine's operation, and the ice maker also have the reminder of water shortage and ice full, help you replenish water or remove ice cubes promptly, and the design of reversible door also give you the flexible choice to decide which direction to open the door. It comes with an ice scoop so you can easily fill a cup or grab a few cubes directly from the freezer
  • Auto-cleaning & Timer Function: Considering the preciousness of your time, we have equipped our under counter ice machine with automatic cleaning, so you can easily clean your ice maker machine by just hold the "Clean" button for 5s, helps maintain the under counter ice maker machine's efficiency and longevity and the 24H Timer function can also help you to make ice according to your schedule
  • Wondeful Size & Customer Service: With the size of 20.4"D x 14.96"W x 33.9"H, there are two types of setting style for you to choose, individual placed or under counter, if you have any questions while using the ice maker, please reach out to us promptly, and we will strive to provide you with help
No. 6
Coolski Under Counter Ice Maker Machine, Stainless Steel Built-in Freestanding Ice Maker for Commercial & Home Use, 80 Lbs/Day, 30 Lbs Storage, Self Cleaning, Thicknesses Adjustable
  • Large Capacity Rapid Ice Production: Our built in ice maker is a powerhouse, producing a remarkable 80 pounds of ice daily. The Coolski freestanding ice maker churns out 32 clear ice cubes every 11 to 20 minutes, ideal for both professional bartending and home entertaining. Its high output performance meets all your ice consuming needs with ease.
  • Intuitive LCD Digital Control: Featuring a user friendly control panel, operating this ice maker is a breeze. The bright LED lights enable you to monitor the ice making process at any time. An included ice scoop ensures convenient ice serving for guests or personal use. Remember to let the machine stand upright for 24 hours prior to first use.
  • Flexible Drainage & Ideal Under Counter Fit: A gravity drain.Your selection of one will be based on the installation location. You’ll need to connect the water line to the kitchen water supply and run the drain hose into the floor drain before plugging the machine in. With its 15''W × 21''D × 33''H built - in design, this commercial ice cube maker seamlessly fits under standard kitchen or bar counters, maximizing space utilization.
  • Effortless Cleaning & Maintenance: Maintaining the ice maker is simple. Just press the "clean" button for 3 seconds to activate the self cleaning function, which helps preserve its efficiency and lifespan. Equipped with an inline filter, it removes sediment from water before freezing, enhancing ice taste and smell. Installation is nearly plug and play: connect the water supply, plug it in, and press the on button.
  • Durable & Cost Efficient Design: Constructed with durable stainless steel and a food grade interior, this ice maker is built to last. The 3 - layer housing material keeps ice cubes from melting quickly. Having passed DOE & ETL energy efficiency certifications, it offers a cost effective solution for a continuous supply of ice cubes.
No. 7
Coolake 15”W Ice Maker Under Counter 80lbs/Day with 40lbs Storage, Commercial Outdoor Ice Maker, Auto-Cleaning LCD Panel Built-in Freestanding Ice Machine for Home Bar Kitchen Office
  • Efficient Cube Ice Maker: Designed for high demand, our commercial under counter ice maker produces up to 80 pounds of clear ice cubes daily. Each efficient cycle takes just 10 to 20 minutes, and the 40 pound storage bin ensures a continuous supply. It reliably meets the needs of any home bar, restaurant kitchen, café, or office, eliminating worries about running out of ice during parties or peak hours
  • Engineered for Easy Cleaning: Our outdoor ice maker simplifies maintenance with a one-touch self-cleaning cycle-just press the button for 3 seconds to activate. This hassle-free feature eliminates manual scrubbing, prevents mold buildup, and ensures consistently clean ice. The attractive stainless steel exterior stays pristine with a quick wipe, making it ideal for busy kitchens, bars, and commercial spaces
  • Smart LCD Control Panel: Take full control of your ice with an intuitive LCD panel that lets you adjust cube thickness by simply setting the ice making time. Whether you're crafting cocktails that demand slow-melting thicker cubes, serving soft drinks that cool quickly with thinner ice, or optimizing freezer storage with compactly shaped cubes—this ice maker delivers exactly what you need
  • Flexible Installation: This versatile undercounter ice machine commercial ice machine offers both built-in and freestanding installation to fit any layout. Its compact dimension of 15 inches wide, 21 inches deep, and 33 inches high allows for seamless integration into tight spaces. The innovative front-venting cooling system is key to this space-efficient design, eliminating the need for costly and space-consuming side or rear clearances
  • Designed for Your Reality: Our ice maker features soft-glowing interior LED lighting, providing a clear, well-illuminated view for easy access even during late-night service. Specifically designed to address the common challenge of hard water, this unit comes with a filter that safeguards the ice maker's internal mechanisms against scaling and corrosion
No. 8
Mojgar Under Counter Ice Maker Machine - 90Lbs/24H, 35Lbs Storage Bin, Freestanding & Bulit-in Commercial Ice Maker | Self-Cleaning | Reversible Door | Commercial Ice Machine | Full Stainless Steel
  • 🧊 𝑯𝒊𝒈𝒉-𝑪𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝑰𝒄𝒆 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑩𝒖𝒔𝒚 𝑺𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒔 – This Under Counter Ice Maker produces up to 90 lbs of ice per day, creating around 40 clear cubes per cycle in just minutes. The built-in 35 lb storage bin keeps ice readily available for cafés, bars, offices, break rooms, and home entertaining.
  • 🎛️ 𝑺𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝑫𝒊𝒈𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒍 𝑷𝒂𝒏𝒆𝒍 – The responsive touch display allows easy adjustment of ice thickness, timer settings, and operating status. With simple controls and interior LED lighting, this Commercial Ice Machine makes monitoring and accessing ice convenient at any time.
  • ❄️ 𝑬𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝑰𝒏𝒔𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 & 𝑰𝒄𝒆 𝑹𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 – Designed with a stainless steel exterior, reinforced ABS interior liner, and multi-layer insulation, this Under Counter Ice Machine helps maintain stable internal temperatures and slow melting during busy service periods.
  • ⚙️ 𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝑪𝒐𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑺𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒎 – Equipped with a high-performance compressor and optimized airflow design, this Commercial Ice Maker delivers consistent ice production while maintaining efficient and quiet operation—ideal for kitchens, bars, and shared spaces.
  • 💧 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝑾𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑫𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒏 – This Under Counter Ice Maker supports direct water line connection with gravity drainage. Once installed, it runs continuously without frequent refilling, providing a steady supply of ice for daily use.

Your Guide to Choosing the Perfect Under Counter Ice Maker

An under counter ice maker brings convenience right into your kitchen or home bar. No more running to the freezer for ice cubes! Choosing the right one involves looking closely at a few important things. This guide helps you find the best fit for your needs.

Key Features to Look For

These features make a big difference in how well your ice maker works for you.

  • Ice Production Rate: How much ice can it make in 24 hours? If you host big parties, look for a high rate (e.g., 50 lbs per day). For daily family use, a lower rate might be fine.
  • Ice Storage Capacity: How much ice can the built-in bin hold? A larger bin means you do not have to empty it as often.
  • Ice Type: Most make clear, nugget, or standard cube ice. Nugget ice melts faster but is great for chewing. Standard cubes are best for chilling drinks.
  • Installation Type: Do you need a drain line? Some models are “water-connect” and require plumbing. Others are “pour-in” and you refill a small reservoir manually.
  • Re-icing Feature: Good models automatically start making more ice when the level in the bin drops.

Important Materials and Build Quality

The materials used directly affect how long your ice maker lasts and how clean your ice stays.

Stainless Steel Exterior

Most good units use stainless steel for the outside. This material looks sleek in any kitchen. It also resists rust and is easy to wipe clean.

Internal Components

Check what the ice storage bin is made of. Food-grade plastic or stainless steel bins are best. Plastic bins should be BPA-free to keep your ice safe. The internal tubing and water lines should also be durable and safe for drinking water.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

What makes one machine better than another? It often comes down to smart design and efficiency.

Quality Boosters

  • Insulation: Better insulation keeps the ice from melting quickly inside the bin, especially during power outages or if the unit runs often.
  • Self-Cleaning Cycles: Many modern machines run a cleaning cycle automatically. This prevents mold and mildew growth, keeping the ice tasting fresh.
  • Quiet Operation: Look for decibel (dB) ratings. A quiet machine is important if the unit sits near a living area or bedroom.

Quality Reducers (Watch Outs)

Cheap models sometimes skip important steps. If a unit lacks good insulation, it wastes energy because it has to make ice more often. Models without proper drainage can sometimes have standing water, which reduces ice quality.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about where and how you will use the machine.

Home Kitchens and Entertainment

If you love entertaining, prioritize high daily production and reliable storage. A built-in drain line makes cleanup simple after a big event.

Wet Bars and Man Caves

For a dedicated bar area, size matters. Make sure the unit fits perfectly under your existing counter height. Features like fast production are key here so you never run out during game night.

The Pour-In vs. Plumbing Decision

If you rent or cannot easily access a water line, a pour-in model works well. However, you must remember to refill it. If you buy a plumbed model, ensure a plumber can easily connect the water supply and drain.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Under Counter Ice Makers

Q: Do I need a special electrical outlet for these machines?

A: Most standard under counter ice makers use a regular 110V grounded outlet. Always check the specific model’s requirements before purchasing.

Q: How often should I clean my under counter ice maker?

A: If your unit has a self-cleaning mode, run it monthly. If you have a manual pour-in model, you should clean the bin and water reservoir every two weeks to keep the ice pure.

Q: Will an under counter ice maker fit under any standard counter?

A: Most are designed to fit standard cabinet depths (around 24 inches). However, you must measure the height clearance precisely. Some models require extra space above for ventilation.

Q: Are these units noisy when running?

A: Noise levels vary. Look for models advertising quiet operation or low decibel ratings (under 45 dB is generally considered quiet). The loudest part is usually the water pump or ice dropping into the bin.

Q: What is the difference between clear ice and nugget ice?

A: Clear ice is hard and solid, perfect for chilling drinks slowly. Nugget ice is softer, made of compressed flakes, and cools drinks very fast.

Q: Can I use an under counter ice maker without a drain line?

A: Yes, some smaller models are “air-cooled, non-plumbed.” These use a small internal tank that you refill manually. The melted ice water usually evaporates or needs to be manually emptied.

Q: How long does it take for the machine to start making ice?

A: After plugging it in and filling the water supply (if manual), most machines start producing the first batch of ice within 15 to 30 minutes.

Q: Does the ice melt if the power goes out?

A: Yes, just like ice in a freezer. However, well-insulated models will keep the ice frozen much longer than poorly insulated ones.

Q: Are these units energy efficient?

A: Newer models often have better energy ratings. Efficiency is improved by good insulation and smart sensors that stop production when the bin is full.

Q: What is the typical lifespan of an under counter ice maker?

A: With regular cleaning and proper installation, a good quality under counter ice maker should last between 10 and 15 years.